Page 18 - May Banner 2018_Neat

Page 18 May 2018 The Catoctin Banner Newspaper www.TheCatoctinBanner.com Published by www.EPlusPromotes.com
Frederick County Battalion Chief Vigilant Hose Company Celebrates

Kevin Fox Named Deputy Fire “National Emergency Medical

Chief/Director of Volunteer Fire Services Week”
and Rescue Services by Vice President David Stonesifer

Frederick County Photo Courtesy of Vigilant Hose Company On Wednesday evening, May 23, 2018, from 6:30-9:00 p.m., at the Vigilant
Executive Jan Hose Company (VHC) Activities Building, located at 17701 Creamery Road
Gardner announced (formerly the Emmitsburg Volunteer Ambulance Company facility), a special
the appointment event, open to all interested, will feature health and safety activities, plus injury
of Kevin Fox prevention information and live demonstrations conducted by the men and
(pictured far right) women of the community’s emergency services.
of Thurmont as None of us wants to see misfortune befall us or others, thus it is critical
Deputy Fire Chief that all know in advance just what to do should a worst-case event occur. To
and Director of celebrate “National Emergency Medical Services Week,” an Open House event
Volunteer Fire and for the public and area businesses alike will stress family and individual well-
Rescue Services. being, risk reduction, and emergency and disaster preparedness, intended to
“Kevin help all be ready for the unexpected.
brings years of Celebrated annually in May, “National EMS Week’ was established in 1974
experience in both to help the public better understand the important roles that First Responders
the volunteer play in helping others in their time of need. National EMS Week also allows
and career fire the community to honor its EMS providers, too. This year’s event will also
service,” Executive allow for the recognition of the successful merger of the personnel, equipment,
Gardner said. “He and facilities of the former Emmitsburg Volunteer Ambulance Company into
is well-respected, the Vigilant Hose Company. Much work has been underway for over a year
professional, now to bring this to a positive outcome for the benefit of the community.
and will hit the Emmitsburg’s volunteer and career personnel serve side-by-side together in
ground running. Pictured from left are VHC Fire Chief Chad Umbel, Dave Zentz, and various emergency services duties like Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs),
As the Director of Director/Deputy Chief of Frederick County Volunteer Fire/Rescue firefighters, hazardous materials technicians, technical rescue specialists,
Volunteer Fire and Services Kevin Fox. emergency dispatch professionals—all united in service to the community. They
Rescue Services, are supported by paramedics, area hospitals, medivac helicopters, and law
he will be able to listen to the many needs of volunteers around the county, enforcement personnel to deliver the utmost in life-safety services.
represent their interests, and build consensus on complex issues. I am All providers must meet stringent state and county training standards and
confident Kevin Fox will do an outstanding job for the citizens of Frederick are constantly honing their skills through training, education, and practical
County.” exercises. The basic function of their work involves responding to 911
In this role, Fox will support the work of, and coordinate with, Frederick emergencies, which can range from simple ailments, such as severe headaches,
County’s volunteer fire and rescue companies. Fox has served as acting to serious traumatic injuries, like broken bones, as well as heart attacks,
director since December 2017, when Clarence “Chip” Jewell retired. strokes, and so forth. They also work closely with all area firefighters at
Fox was selected through an open recruitment process. He has extensive emergency scenes to assess, treat, and prepare patients for transport to area
knowledge of both the career and volunteer sides of emergency services. He hospitals and regional trauma centers.
has volunteered as an EMT and firefighter for more than thirty years, serving National EMS Week is a great opportunity for the public to learn when
in numerous leadership positions, including past president of the Thurmont to call 911 and when not to. Additionally, National EMS Week allows the
Community Ambulance Services and vice president of Guardian Hose community to thank EMS providers for the physical, mental, and emotional
Company in Thurmont. He has worked for Frederick County Government sacrifices they are asked to make daily while serving others. In our community,
since 1990, first as an emergency communications dispatcher, and then, in every business, institution, agency, and individual is critical to our success. The
1999, as a firefighter with the Division of Fire and Rescue Services. For the VHC Auxiliary will be serving refreshments on May 23.
past four years, Fox has been the division’s spokesperson. In 2015, he was
promoted to battalion chief. Fox also teaches part-time for the Maryland Fire National EMS Week 2018 Themes
and Rescue Institute.
National EMS Week 2018, presented by ACEP in partnership with
Dave Zentz Recognized as 2017 the National Association of EMTs (NAEMT), will be May 20-26, 2018.

Frederick County Volunteer Wednesday, May 23, is Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) Day.
The 2018 theme EMS STRONG is “Stronger Together.” The theme days
Firefighter of the Year for 2018 are: Monday — Education;
Tuesday — Safety Tuesday;
Wednesday —EMS for Children
Vigilant Hose Company’s (VHC) fire services volunteer, Dave Zentz
(pictured above, center), was recognized as the 2017 Frederick County Day; Thursday — Save-A-Life (CPR
and Stop the Bleed); Friday — EMS
Volunteer Firefighter of the Year on March 13, 2018, along with other Recognition Day.
Frederick County Public Safety Partners, during the Frederick County
Chamber of Commerce Public Safety Awards in Brunswick. National Emergency Medical
Dave is an individual who has exceeded expectations in his few short Services Week brings together local
years with the VHC. He has expanded his operational knowledge base by communities and medical personnel
completing over 225 hours in courses the last year alone. In addition, Dave to publicize safety and honor the
serves on the VHC Board of Directors and steers several IT projects around dedication of those who provide
the station. Dave was recognized as the VHC’s Member of the Year for 2017 the day-to-day lifesaving services
at the annual banquet in January. of medicine’s “front line.” This
Congratulations, Dave, and thank you for your continued support and information can be used throughout
contributions to the Vigilant Hose Company and the greater Emmitsburg the year for public education and
Community. safety programs. For additional

information, contact them at
www . TheCatoctinBanner .com emsweek@acep.org.